India has set up tiger reserves and biosphere reserves to protect its wildlife and natural habitats. Project Tiger protects the national animal, while biosphere reserves protect whole ecosystems. These conservation programmes are common in geography and environment exam sections.
Project Tiger
- Project Tiger was launched in 1973.
- It protects the tiger, India's national animal.
- Jim Corbett in Uttarakhand was among the first tiger reserves.
Important Tiger Reserves
- Sundarbans - in West Bengal, famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger.
- Bandipur - in Karnataka.
- Ranthambore - in Rajasthan.
- Kanha - in Madhya Pradesh.
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Biosphere Reserves
- A biosphere reserve protects plants, animals and the whole ecosystem.
- The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was the first in India, set up in 1986.
- Some are recognised by UNESCO under its Man and Biosphere programme.
Other Famous Biosphere Reserves
- Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve in West Bengal.
- Nanda Devi in Uttarakhand.
- Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu.
Quick Revision Points
- Project Tiger was launched in 1973.
- It protects the tiger, the national animal.
- Jim Corbett was among the first tiger reserves.
- The Sundarbans are famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger.
- The Nilgiri was India's first biosphere reserve (1986).
- Biosphere reserves protect the whole ecosystem.
- Many reserves are listed by UNESCO.